Apparatus for increasing the quality of sound from an acoustic source

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for increasing the quality of sound from an acoustic source comprises in one embodiment a hollow enclosure, an acoustic source, an acoustic guide, a pair of acoustic inlet openings, a pair of acoustic exit openings, and pair of acoustic paths, wherein the acoustic inlet openings separate acoustic waves from the acoustic source and direct the acoustic waves the length of the acoustic paths to the acoustic exit openings in such a manner as to increase the quality of sound, and especially bass sound, from the acoustic source.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an enclosure for an acoustic source. Inparticular, the invention relates to an apparatus for increasing thequality of sound from an acoustic source, and that is particularlysuited for improving acoustic output of bass sounds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Acoustics technology, and in particular stereo technology, hasadvanced to meet the demand for improved sound quality. The risingpopularity in home theater systems and related sound technologies hasrefocused the stereo industry towards improved and more efficient soundsystems. Sound systems are also an integral part of vehicles of alltypes. Advances in acoustics and electronics technology have resulted insmaller and more efficient delivery systems. Nevertheless, acousticprinciples demand relatively lengthy transmission lines or acousticpaths. For example, known acoustic paths may extend up to several feet.Space restrictions in houses, vehicles, and mobile stereos, however,limit the use of such acoustic paths and the relatively large enclosuresthat house them.

[0003] Production of sound within an enclosure, whereby acoustic wavesare directed along an acoustic path, is a critical aspect of theprocess. Specifically, sound is produced by an acoustic source, forexample, a driver, and then directed along an acoustic path to anopening. The shape of the acoustic path affects the quality of soundexiting the outlet.

[0004] Existing apparatus address the problem of improving sound qualitywhile minimizing space requirements by incorporating acoustic pathshaving sharp bends (i.e., folded paths) such that the acoustic path fitswithin the enclosure. The folded or labyrinth designs for acoustic pathsrequire sharp bends that disrupt airflow, and thus degrade sound qualityand increase mechanical noise. Further, known devices incorporaterelatively long acoustic paths that are unsuitable for use in closequarters (e.g., apartments and car stereos).

[0005] Known apparatus also address the problem of minimizing spacerequirements by incorporating helical acoustic paths, wherein structureshoused within the enclosure define a single helix acoustic path. Thesingle helix design, however, fails to recognize the benefits of adouble helix structure. Specifically, the single helix design limits theair mass (i.e., acoustic mass) that provides the medium for transmittingthe acoustic waves.

[0006] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,969 (the '969 patent) and U.S.Pat. No. 6,078,676 (the '676 patent) to Takenaka disclose a speakersystem having a single spiral sound passage. Both Takenaka patentsdisclose a lower T-joint for supporting an outer tube, an inner tube forsupporting a partition plate arranged in a spiral pattern, an upperT-joint connected to the top end of the outer tube, and a speaker unitsecured to the upper T-joint. As described, the Takenaka patents rely ona single passage for directing sound radiating from the rear of thespeaker. Specifically, the Takenaka patents incorporate a single inletopening leading into a single passage that is in communication with asingle outlet opening. Although both patents address the problem ofsharp or acute bends in the sound passage, the '969 and '676 patentsfail to recognize the advantages of incorporating two sound passages inthe shape of a double helix. Further, the Takenaka patents describe theuse of a dual tube structure wherein the inner tube supports thepartition plate. Thus, Takenaka further restricts the limited area ofthe single sound passage—and thus total medium (i.e., air) fortransmitting sound—by incorporating a support structure for the spiralplate. Thus there exists a need for an apparatus that maximizes thetotal area of the sound passage without adversely affecting the overallsize of the enclosure housing the acoustic source and acoustic guide.

[0007] Still other known apparatus incorporate double helix channelsinto an enclosure, yet position the channels around the periphery of thedriver and around an inner sleeve that supports the driver at a frontend. In this configuration, inlets for directing sound into the channelsare adjacent the rear end of the inner sleeve and outlets of the passageare adjacent the front of the driver. This design, wherein the radius ofthe acoustic channel is a fraction of the total radius of the enclosureor inner sleeve, recognizes the need to maximize space, yet sacrificessound quality by directing the sound from the driver in opposingdirections (i.e., front to rear and then rear to front). The relativelysmall channels tend to create mechanical resonance, increase harmonicdistortion, and restrict low frequency reproduction.

[0008] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,339 to Hathaway describes anenclosure for housing a loudspeaker. Specifically, Hathaway discloses anouter sleeve that supports and surrounds an inner sleeve, a loudspeakerconnected to a front end of the inner sleeve, and an insert positionedbetween the outer sleeve and inner sleeve. The insert defines two spiralchannels that surround the inner sleeve. The channels direct soundadvancing from the rear of the front-mounted speaker, around the innersleeve (i.e., between the inner and outer sleeve), and out of the frontof the enclosure. Hathaway relies upon two spiral channels that windaround the outer surface of the inner sleeve that supports theloudspeaker. Thus, the sound must travel in opposing directions beforeexiting the enclosure. Specifically, the sound must travel rearward thelength of the inner sleeve, and then forward through the channelsbetween the inner and outer sleeve. Thus, Hathaway fails to recognizethe benefits of a pair of acoustic paths having the shape of a doublehelix that effectively doubles the volume of air (i.e., medium) fortransmitting the sound. Stated differently, Hathaway recognizes the needto maximize space by wrapping the channels around the inner sleeve, yetsacrifices sound quality by directing the sound from the driver inopposing directions (i.e., front to rear and then rear to front).Accordingly, Hathaway fails to address the problem of maximizing theradius—and thus the total area—of the channels. Unfortunately, thestructure of Hathaway creates mechanical resonance, increase harmonicdistortion, and restrict low frequency reproduction.

[0009] Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus for improvingthe quality of sound from an acoustic source housed within an enclosurethat directs sound in one direction in such a manner to dampenmechanical resonance, reduces harmonic distortion, and extends lowfrequency reproduction.

[0010] Known devices also include six or more resonant antinodes alongthe acoustic path that cause impedance variations at specificfrequencies, and therefore creates uneven amplitude response. One optionto counteract the uneven amplitude response is to incorporate dampingmaterial into the inlets of the acoustic paths. However, the addition ofdamping material into the inlets reduces the efficiency of the system,and therefore is a less desirable option. Moreover, the amount ofdamping material is dictated by the amount of available free space inthe enclosure and acoustic path. Thus, a need exists for an enclosureand acoustic guide that does not require damping material to lessenuneven amplitude response.

[0011] A more attractive option in addressing the failures above is toincrease the total area of the acoustic path without increasing thetotal size of the enclosure and without enhancing mechanical resonance,increasing harmonic distortion, or restricting low frequencyreproduction. In this fashion, sound quality of the apparatus is notsacrificed for smaller sizes.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus capable maximizing the total area of a sound passage with anenclosure, without adversely affecting the overall size of the enclosurehousing the acoustic source and acoustic guide.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus forimproving the quality of sound from an acoustic source housed within anenclosure that directs sound in one direction in such a manner to dampenmechanical resonance, reduce harmonic distortion, and extend lowfrequency reproduction.

[0014] Yet another object of the invention is the provision of anenclosure housing an acoustic guide that does not require dampingmaterial to lessen uneven amplitude response.

[0015] The invention meets these objectives with an apparatus capable ofdirecting acoustic waves from an acoustic source housed within anenclosure that dampens mechanical resonance, reduces harmonicdistortion, and extends low frequency reproduction of sound. Theseobjectives are accomplished by maximizing the total area of the acousticpaths without increasing the space required to operate the apparatus. Inparticular, the invention is an apparatus comprised of a hollowenclosure that substantially surrounds an acoustic guide, an acousticsource secured to one end of the hollow enclosure, a pair of paths inthe shape of a double helix defined by the acoustic guide, and a pair ofacoustic inlet openings and a pair of acoustic exit openings incommunication with the acoustic paths.

[0016] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the inventionand the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearerbased on the following detailed description taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theapparatus as incorporated into a floor unit for a home stereo systemthat depicts a hollow enclosure, an acoustic source, an acoustic guide,a pair of acoustic inlet openings, a pair of acoustic paths, a driver, asupport leg, and acoustic waves flowing from the driver and into thepair of acoustic paths.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodimentof the invention that depicts a second end of the hollow enclosure, apair of acoustic exit openings, webbing for preventing debris fromentering the acoustic exit openings, and the acoustic waves flowing outof the pair of acoustic exit openings.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the preferred embodimentof the invention depicting the double helix shape of the acoustic guide,the double helix shape of the pair of acoustic paths, and the acousticwaves flowing into the acoustic inlet openings.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrating the hollow enclosure, the acoustic source and its spacedrelationship to the acoustic guide, the empty chamber, the acousticguide and its pitch, the pair of acoustic paths, the positionalrelationship of the acoustic inlet openings substantially perpendicularto the acoustic waves, and the acoustic waves entering the acousticinlet openings, traveling along the acoustic path, and exiting the pairof acoustic exit openings.

[0021]FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of analternative embodiment of the invention depicting the acoustic sourceconnected to the first end of the acoustic guide and the acoustic guidemounted in grooves formed in the hollow enclosure.

[0022]FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of analternative of the invention illustrating the positional relationship ofthe acoustic)inlet openings substantially parallel to the acousticwaves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention will now be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which apreferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to thoseskilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0024] The term “wave”, and in particular “acoustic wave”, will refer toa disturbance traveling through a medium, for example, a sound wavetraveling through an air mass. Hence, the terms wave, acoustic wave, andsound wave may be used interchangeably.

[0025] It will be understood that as used herein the term the term“acoustic path” refers to a passage that directs acoustic waves.

[0026] The term “damping” as used herein refers to the reduction ofmovement of a speaker cone due to the electromechanical characteristicof the speaker driver and suspension, the effect of frictional lossesinside a speaker enclosure, or electrical means.

[0027] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “pitch”refers to the distance from any point on a side edge of the doublehelix-shaped acoustic guide to the corresponding point on an adjacentedge measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide. Stateddifferently in terms of a screw, the pitch is the distance from anypoint of a thread of the screw to the corresponding point on an adjacentthread measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the screw.

[0028] The term “oblique” refers to the positional relationship of oneelement to another element whereby one element is neither parallel norperpendicular to the other element.

[0029] It will be further understood by those skilled in the art thatthe term “double helix” refers to the structural arrangement of theacoustic guide that consists of two continuous surfaces that extendoutwardly at an oblique angle from the longitudinal axis of the acousticguide.

[0030] It will also be appreciated that the term “circumference” refersto the boundary line of a structure.

[0031] Further, the term “radius” refers to the distance of astraight-line segment that joins the center of a circular or spiralstructure (e.g., double helix structure) with any point on itscircumference.

[0032] It will also be understood that the term “acoustic source” refersto any number of devices capable of producing noise or acoustic waves(e.g., a stereo driver, a speaker, or resonator).

[0033] It will be further appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart that, as used herein, the concept of an element “substantiallysurrounding” another element does not necessarily imply that theelements are contiguous (i.e., in intimate contact). Rather, as usedherein, the concept of one element substantially surrounding anotherelement is meant to describe the relative positions of the elementswithin the structure, respectively.

[0034] It will be further appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart that, as used herein, the concept of an element being “between” twoother elements does not necessarily imply that the three elements arecontiguous (i.e., in intimate contact). Rather, as used herein, theconcept of one element between two other elements is meant to describethe relative positions of the elements within the structure,respectively. Similarly, as used herein, the concept of an element beingconnected to a second element by a third element, “opposite” the secondelement, merely describes the relative positions of the first and secondelements within the structure.

[0035] It will be understood to those skilled in the art that theconcept of an element being “adjacent” another element does notnecessarily imply that the elements are contiguous (i.e., in intimatecontact). Rather, as used herein, the concept of an element beingadjacent another element is meant to describe the relative positions ofthe elements wherein the elements are in close proximity. Furthermore,it will be understood that the concept of one element being adjacentanother element does not necessarily imply contact, but may implyabsence of anything of the same kind between the elements.

[0036] In addressing,the quality of sound produced by acoustic sourcehoused within an enclosure, those skilled in the art will recognizeseveral factors affecting resonance. In acoustic terms, the factors areas follows. The magnification of resonance factor of any resonant deviceor circuit is defined as Q. For example, a driver with a high Q is moreresonant that a driver with a low Q. Further, it will be understood thatthe electrical Q of the driver is represented as Qes, the mechanical Qof the driver is represented as Qms, and the total Q is represented asQts.

[0037] An overall view of the apparatus 10 for increasing the quality ofsound from an acoustic source housed within an enclosure as incorporatedin a home stereo system and which depicts features of the presentinvention is set forth in FIG. 1. A preferred embodiment of theapparatus 10 includes a hollow enclosure 11, an acoustic guide 12, atleast one leg 13, an acoustic source 14, a pair of acoustic paths 15, apair of acoustic inlet openings 20, and a pair of acoustic exit openings21. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be incorporated into a variety of sound systems to includevehicle stereos, portable stereos, home entertainment systems,amplifiers, and musical instruments (e.g., keyboard instruments such aspianos).

[0038] As depicted in FIG. 4, the hollow enclosure 11 substantiallysurrounds the acoustic guide 12. The hollow enclosure 11 includes afirst end 22, a second end 23, an interior surface 24, and an exteriorsurface 25. As configured, edges 16 of the acoustic guide 12 abut theinterior surface 24 of the hollow enclosure 11. In a preferredembodiment, the hollow enclosure 11 is substantially circular andsubstantially surrounds the acoustic guide 12. Alternative embodimentsof the invention may include a hollow enclosure 11 that is substantiallyoval in shape.

[0039] The acoustic guide 12 is preferably mounted to the interiorsurface 24 of the hollow enclosure 11. In a preferred embodiment, theacoustic guide 12 is mounted to the interior surface 24 of the hollowenclosure 11 by adhesive 30 (see FIG. 4). It will be understood howeverthat the acoustic guide 12 may be mounted to the interior surface 24 ofthe hollow enclosure 11 with foam rubber, hook-and-loop fasteners, orthe like. Alternatively, the acoustic guide 12 may be mounted intogrooves 18 formed in the interior surface 24 of the hollow enclosure 11(see FIG. 5). The grooves 18 formed in the interior surface 24 of thehollow enclosure 11 correspond to the edges 16 of the acoustic guide 12.In this fashion, the acoustic guide 12 can be screwed into the hollowenclosure 11.

[0040] As configured in a preferred embodiment of the inventionillustrated in FIG. 4, the acoustic guide 12 is shaped in the form of adouble helix and includes a first end 31 and a second end 32. The hollowenclosure 11 and the acoustic guide 12 of FIG. 4 define a common axis.The acoustic guide 12 is preferably made from polymeric material such aspolyethylene or polypropylene. It will be understood however that theacoustic guide 12 may be formed from metal, wood, synthetic resin,glass, or ceramic.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4 the first end 31 of theacoustic guide 12 is spaced from the acoustic source 14. This preferredembodiment includes an empty chamber 33 defined by the interior surface24 of the hollow enclosure 11, the first end 22 of the hollow enclosure,and the first end 31 of the acoustic guide 12. Advantageously, the emptychamber 33 provides sufficient damping of, for example, a speaker coneof the acoustic source 14. Preferably the pair of acoustic inletopenings 20 are spaced less than 6 inches from a diaphragm of theacoustic source 14 assuming a medium size driver (i.e., 10 inchsubwoofer). Stated differently, the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20is preferably spaced less than 2 inches from the rear of the driver.Accordingly, it is possible to construct the present invention such thatthe length of the hollow enclosure 11 is approximately 22 inches inlength. It will be understood that the spacing will vary depending uponthe size and type of subwoofer provided.

[0042]FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention, whereinthe first end 31 of acoustic guide 12 is connected or immediatelyadjacent to the acoustic source 14 in a close-coupled arrangement. Thisconfiguration minimizes the space required for the hollow enclosure 11without sacrificing the quality of sound. The positioning of the firstend 31 of the acoustic guide 12 and the acoustic source 14—wherein thefirst end of the acoustic guide is connected or immediately adjacent theacoustic source—minimizes the volume (i.e., box volume) of space betweenthe acoustic source 14 and the acoustic guide 12. By minimizing boxvolume, the arrangement of the first end 31 of the acoustic guide 12 andthe acoustic source 14 maintains the total Q (Q_(t)) of the emptychamber 33 above 1. The close-coupled arrangement, however, requires adriver with a high mechanical Q (Q_(ms)) (e.g., 5 or greater) relativeto electrical Q (Q_(es)) and total Q (Q_(ts))

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the radius of the acoustic guide 12 issubstantially equal to the radius of the hollow enclosure 11.Advantageously, the incorporation of the double helix shape into theacoustic guide 12 maximizes the total area of the pair of acoustic paths15. Stated differently, the acoustic paths 15 extend the entire radiusof the hollow enclosure 11 to thereby provide increased air mass thatserves as a transmitting medium.

[0044] The pitch P of the acoustic guide 12 facilitates the transmissionof a variety of acoustic waves 34 (see FIG. 4). As described above andwith reference to FIG. 4, “pitch” P refers to the distance from anypoint on an edge 16 of the double helix-shaped acoustic guide 12 to thecorresponding point on an adjacent edge 17 measured parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the acoustic guide 12. In a preferred embodiment,the pitch P of the acoustic guide 12 is between about 0.0625 to 4 inches(i.e., 0.15875 to 10.16 centimeters (cm), respectively) and morepreferably between about 1 to 2 inches (i.e., 2.54 to 5.08 cm).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the first end 31 of the acousticguide 12 defines the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20. The pair ofacoustic inlet openings 20 is capable of admitting acoustic waves 34produced by the acoustic source 14 into the pair of acoustic paths 15.Preferably, the acoustic source 14 is a driver, but it will beunderstood that the acoustic source may be any number of devices thatproduce acoustic waves (e.g., resonator). In a preferred embodiment, theacoustic source 14 is secured to the first end 22 of the hollowenclosure 11. With reference to the orientation of the acoustic guide 12depicted in FIG. 4, the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20 is preferablyoriented substantially coplanar with respect to one another.Nevertheless, it will be understood that the pair of acoustic inletopenings 20 may be oriented in a non-coplanar configuration. Theorientation of the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20 depends upon thetype of sound (e.g., bass) upon which the operator is trying to improve.

[0046] The second end 32 of the acoustic guide 12 defines the pair ofacoustic exit openings 21 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. The pair ofacoustic exit openings 21 is in communication with the pair of acousticinlet openings 20 and the pair of acoustic paths 15. Advantageously, thepair of acoustic inlet openings 20 separate acoustic waves 34 emanatingfrom the acoustic source 14 and direct the acoustic waves 34 along thepair of acoustic paths 15 to the acoustic exit openings 21. In thepreferred embodiment of FIG. 4, the pair of acoustic exit openings 21 isoriented substantially coplanar with respect to one another.Nevertheless, it will be understood that the pair of acoustic exitopenings 21 may be oriented in a non-coplanar configuration. Theorientation of the pair of acoustic exit openings 21 depends upon thetype of sound (e.g., bass) upon which the operator is trying to improve.

[0047] Still referring to FIG. 4, the pair of acoustic exit openings 21is preferably oriented substantially coplanar with respect to the secondend 23 of the hollow enclosure 11. It will be understood, however, thatthe pair of acoustic exit openings 21 may be oriented in a non-coplanarrelationship with respect to the second end 23 of the hollow enclosure11. The orientation of the pair of acoustic exit openings 21 withrespect to the second end 23 of the hollow enclosure 11 depends upon thetype of sound upon which the operator is trying to improve.

[0048] The pair of exit openings 21 may also include webbing 35 thatprevents the admission of debris into the exit openings 21 (see FIGS. 1and 2). The webbing 35 is preferably formed from foam, but may be formedfrom wire or textile material (i.e., woven or non-woven textilematerial).

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 4 depicting a preferred embodiment, thepair of acoustic inlet openings 20 and the pair of acoustic exitopenings 21 are oriented substantially parallel to one another. Further,as configured in the preferred embodiment, the pair of acoustic inletopenings 20 and the pair of acoustic exit openings 21 are oriented in aplane that is substantially perpendicular to the path of acoustic waves34 produced by the acoustic source 14 (see FIG. 4). This configurationminimizes the travel distance necessary for the acoustic waves 34 toreach the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20, thereby reducing thelikelihood of diminished sound quality. Moreover, this design reducesthe number of surfaces off of which the waves 34 must reflect in orderto reach the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20, thereby minimizingout-of-phase reflection of the acoustic waves 34.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the acoustic source 14 is secured tothe first end 22 of the hollow enclosure 11. In operation, acousticwaves 34 emanate from the rear of the acoustic source 14 and traveldirectly into the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the pair ofacoustic inlet openings 20 and the pair of acoustic exit openings 21(see FIGS. 2 and 3) may be oriented in a plane that is substantiallyparallel to the path of acoustic waves 34 produced by the acousticsource 14. In the alternative embodiment, the acoustic source 14 issecured to one side of the hollow enclosure 11. Accordingly, theacoustic waves 34 emanate from the rear of the acoustic source 14,reflect against the sides of the first end 22 of the hollow enclosure11, and then into the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20.

[0052] Preferably, the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20 and the pairof acoustic exit openings 21 are substantially semi-circular in shape.Nevertheless, it will be understood that the pair of acoustic inletopenings 20 and acoustic exit openings 21 may be any number of shapes toinclude circular, square, triangular, octagonal, elliptical, orhexagonal.

[0053] The acoustic guide 12 defines the pair of acoustic paths 15 inthe shape of a double helix. The pair of acoustic paths 15 is positionedbetween the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20 and the pair of acousticexit openings 21. Accordingly, the pair of acoustic paths 15 directsacoustic waves 34 from the pair of acoustic inlet openings 20 to thepair of acoustic exit openings 21. As depicted in FIG. 4, the radius ofeach acoustic path 15 is substantially equal to the radius of the hollowenclosure 11. Advantageously, the acoustic paths 15 maximize the totalair mass of the acoustic paths without adversely affecting the overallsize of the enclosure.

[0054] The invention may also include at least one support leg 13secured to the exterior surface 25 of the hollow enclosure 11 asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The leg 13 is preferably connected to thehollow enclosure 11 such that the leg extends substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow enclosure 11 toprevent rotational movement.

That which is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for increasing the quality ofsound in improving acoustic output of bass sound, said from an acousticsource and that is particularly useful apparatus comprising: an acousticguide having a first end and a second end, said acoustic guide in theshape of a double helix; a hollow enclosure substantially surroundingsaid acoustic guide, said hollow enclosure having a first end and asecond end; a pair of acoustic inlet openings defined by said first endof said acoustic guide, said pair of acoustic inlet openings capable ofadmitting acoustic waves produced by an acoustic source; and a pair ofacoustic exit openings defined by said second end of said acousticguide, said pair of acoustic exit openings in communication with saidpair of acoustic inlet openings; wherein said pair of acoustic inletopenings separate acoustic waves emanating from the acoustic source anddirect the acoustic waves to said pair of acoustic exit openings.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the radius of said acousticguide is substantially equal to the radius of said hollow enclosure. 3.The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pitch of said acousticguide is between about 0.15 and 10 centimeters.
 4. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the pitch of said acoustic guide isbetween about 2 and 5 centimeters.
 5. The apparatus according to claim1, wherein said acoustic guide is mounted to the interior surface ofsaid hollow enclosure with material selected from the group consistingof adhesive, foam rubber, and hook-and-loop fasteners.
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein: said hollow enclosure includes groovesformed in the interior surface of said hollow enclosure; said grooves ina corresponding relationship with edges of said acoustic guide; saidacoustic guide mounted in said grooves in the interior surface of saidhollow enclosure.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidhollow enclosure is substantially circular.
 8. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said hollow enclosure is substantially oval.
 9. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said pair of acousticinlet openings is oriented substantially coplanar with respect to oneanother.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of saidpair of acoustic exit openings is oriented substantially coplanar withrespect to one another.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid pair of acoustic inlet openings and said pair of acoustic exitopenings are oriented substantially parallel to one another.
 12. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pair of acoustic inletopenings and said pair of acoustic exit openings are oriented in a planethat is substantially perpendicular to the path of acoustic wavesproduced by the acoustic source.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said pair of acoustic inlet openings and said pair of acousticexit openings are oriented in a plane that is substantially parallel tothe path of acoustic waves produced by the acoustic source.
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pair of acoustic inletopenings and said pair of acoustic exit openings are substantiallysemi-circular in shape.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid pair of acoustic inlet openings and said pair of acoustic exitopenings are substantially circular in shape.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a pair of acoustic pathsdefined by said acoustic guide, said pair of acoustic paths in the shapeof a double helix, said pair of acoustic paths positioned intermediatesaid pair of acoustic inlet openings and said pair of acoustic exitopenings.
 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the radius ofeach of said pair of acoustic paths is substantially equal to the radiusof said hollow enclosure.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said pair of acoustic exit openings further comprises webbingthat prevents the admission of debris into said pair of acoustic paths.19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said webbing is madefrom material selected from the group consisting of foam, wire, woventextile material, and non-woven textile material.
 20. An apparatus forincreasing the quality of sound from an acoustic source and that isparticularly useful in improving acoustic output of bass sounds, saidapparatus comprising: a hollow enclosure having a first end, a secondend, an interior surface, and an exterior surface; an acoustic sourceconnected to said first end of said hollow enclosure, said acousticsource capable of producing acoustic waves; an acoustic guide mounted tothe interior surface of said hollow enclosure, said acoustic guide inthe shape of a double helix, said acoustic guide having a first end anda second end; and a pair of acoustic paths defined by said acousticguide, said pair of acoustic paths in the shape of a double helix;wherein said acoustic guide separates acoustic waves from said acousticsource and directs the acoustic waves along said pair of acoustic paths.21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said hollow enclosureis substantially circular.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 20,wherein said hollow enclosure is substantially oval.
 23. The apparatusaccording to claim 20, wherein said hollow enclosure substantiallysurrounds said acoustic guide.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 20,wherein said hollow enclosure and said acoustic guide define a commonaxis.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said acousticsource is a driver.
 26. The apparatus according to claim 20, whereinsaid acoustic guide is made from material selected from the groupconsisting of polymeric material, metal, wood, synthetic resin, glass,and ceramic.
 27. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the pitchof said acoustic guide is between about 0.15 and 10 centimeters.
 28. Theapparatus according to claim 20, wherein the pitch of said acousticguide is between about 2 and 5 centimeters.
 29. The apparatus accordingto claim 20, wherein said acoustic guide is mounted to the interiorsurface of said hollow enclosure with material selected from the groupconsisting of adhesive, foam rubber, and hook-and-loop fasteners. 30.The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein: said hollow enclosureincludes grooves formed in the interior surface of said hollowenclosure; said grooves in a corresponding relationship with edges ofsaid acoustic guide; said acoustic guide mounted in said grooves in theinterior surface of said hollow enclosure.
 31. The apparatus accordingto claim 20, wherein said first end of said acoustic guide is connectedto said acoustic source.
 32. The apparatus according to claim 20,wherein said first end of said acoustic guide is spaced from saidacoustic source.
 33. The apparatus according to claim 32, furthercomprising an empty chamber defined by the interior surface of saidhollow enclosure, said first end of said hollow enclosure, and saidfirst end of said acoustic guide.
 34. The apparatus according to claim20, wherein the radius of each of said pair of acoustic paths issubstantially equal to the radius of said hollow enclosure.
 35. Theapparatus according to claim 20, further comprising: a pair of acousticinlet openings defined by said first end of said acoustic device; a pairof acoustic exit openings defined by said second end of said acousticdevice, said pair of acoustic exit openings in communication with saidpair of acoustic paths and said pair of acoustic inlet openings.
 36. Theapparatus according to claim 35, wherein each of said pair of acousticinlet openings is oriented substantially coplanar with respect to oneanother.
 37. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein each of saidpair of acoustic inlet openings is oriented substantially coplanar withrespect to said first end of said hollow enclosure.
 38. The apparatusaccording to claim 35, wherein each of said pair of acoustic exitopenings is oriented substantially coplanar with respect to one another.39. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein each of said pair ofacoustic exit openings is oriented substantially coplanar with respectto said second end of said hollow enclosure.
 40. The apparatus accordingto claim 35, wherein said pair of acoustic inlet openings and said pairof acoustic exit openings are oriented substantially parallel to oneanother.
 41. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein said pair ofacoustic inlet openings and said pair of acoustic exit openings areoriented in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the path ofthe acoustic waves produced by said acoustic source.
 42. The apparatusaccording to claim 35, wherein said pair of acoustic inlet openings andsaid pair of acoustic exit openings are oriented in a plane that issubstantially parallel to the path of acoustic waves produced by saidacoustic source.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein saidpair of acoustic inlet openings and said pair of acoustic exit openingsare substantially semi-circular in shape.
 44. The apparatus according toclaim 35, wherein said pair of acoustic inlet openings and said pair ofacoustic exit openings are substantially circular in shape.
 45. Theapparatus according to claim 35, wherein said pair of acoustic exitopenings further comprises webbing that prevents the admission of debrisinto said pair of acoustic paths.
 46. The apparatus according to claim45, wherein said webbing is made from material selected from the groupconsisting of foam, wire, woven textile materials, and non-woven textilematerial.
 47. The apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising atleast one leg secured to the exterior surface of said hollow enclosure.